Seafood Risotto
Instructions
- 1
Heat the fish stock in a saucepan and keep it warm on low heat throughout the cooking process.
- 2
Clean and prepare the seafood: devein shrimp, remove scallop side muscles, and cut calamari into rings. Pat everything dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- 3
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the seafood in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until just cooked. Set aside.
- 4
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 6
Add the arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until the grains are well-coated and slightly toasted.
- 7
Pour in the white wine and stir until almost completely absorbed.
- 8
Begin adding the warm stock one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and waiting for each addition to be mostly absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 18-20 minutes.
- 9
When the rice is creamy and al dente, fold in the cooked seafood, butter, and half the parmesan cheese.
- 10
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- 11
Let the risotto rest for 2 minutes, then serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with remaining parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Chef's Note
"The key to perfect seafood risotto is not overcooking the seafood - sear it quickly at the beginning and fold it back in at the very end. Also, constant stirring releases the rice's starches, creating that signature creamy texture without adding cream."